Language Learning / Sprachpraxis

Language Learning / Sprachpraxis

The main aims of the language section are:

• to help students reach a level of competence that enables them to use English appropriately in a wide range of situations (CEFRlevel C1 [BA degrees] / level C2 [“Lehramt” degrees]).

• to equip students with the language skills needed in other sections of the department (e.g. literature, linguistics, and culture) as well as in professional English-speaking environments.

Students whose career aim is to teach English are also expected

• to familiarize themselves with analytical and pedagogical approaches to spoken and written English, and

• to acquire the language needed in the school classroom.

The language section offers classes ranging from general language courses to specialised courses dealing with specific aspects such as phonetics and phonology. In addition, students gain a great deal of practice through the use of English in the other sections of this department. Finally, their competence is given a major boost when they spend their obligatory period of residence in an English-speaking country.

The step from “Abitur”-level English (CEFR B2) to proficiency (C1/C2) is often greater than expected and students need to appreciate the fact that a considerable amount of time and effort must be invested to reach this level. In other words, the “Abitur” might be seen as the starting point on the way to mastery of the English language.

Our Exams pages have important information on the link between our exams and the Cambridge language exams: (Language & Use Intermediate and C1 Advanced / Language & Use Advanced and C2 Proficiency).

Please be sure to read the letter sent to all language course students at the beginning of each semester. This is required reading for all students! 

The Sprachpraxis Letter

Various helpful language links